How to Crate Train a Rescue Dog: Benefits and Helpful Tips

Welcoming a rescue dog into your family and home is a rewarding experience that will bring so much joy, laughter, and adventure to your life. Yet sadly some rescue dogs may have experienced trauma or instability in their lives, which can make adjusting to a new environment a bit more challenging. 

Crate training is a valuable tool that not only aids in house training but also provides structure, security, and a safe retreat for your new furry friend. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of crate training a rescue dog, highlighting its positive impact on their well-being, and debunking some common myths associated with crate training.

The Benefits of Crate Training a Rescue Dog

Crate training can play a crucial part in a rescue dog's adjustment to a new home by offering a structured environment that helps them feel secure to reduce anxiety. When your dog sees the crate as a chill zone, it makes them more relaxed in new or stressful situations. Having a comfy spot to retreat to can be a game-changer for helping your furry friend kick back and take it easy.

Crate training is also a popular and effective method for teaching dogs good behavior and aids in house-training. Here are some key benefits of crate training:

• Provides a safe, secure space:

  Crates offer a secure and confined space that can help prevent potential hazards in the home and keep the dog safe from accidents or ingesting harmful items.

• Aids in house-training:

  Dogs have a natural instinct to keep their living space clean. A crate encourages them to hold their bladder and wait until they are taken outside, aiding in the house training process.

• Travel convenience: 

  Crate-trained dogs are often more comfortable during travel. Whether it's a short car ride or a longer journey, the familiar crate provides a sense of security and helps reduce anxiety.

• Preventing destructive behavior: 

  Crates can be a valuable tool in avoiding destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture or shoes when the pet parent is not present to supervise.

• Makes vet visits a little easier:

  Dogs accustomed to crates may feel safer during travel to the vet because the crate can serve as a familiar and comforting environment while they are in a new environment.

• Manages stress and anxiety: 

  Crates can be a retreat for dogs when they need some downtime. This is particularly beneficial in busy households or during events that might be stressful for the dog, providing a safe space to relax.

• Assisting in training and learning cues: 

  Crate training can support overall obedience training. It helps reinforce cues and encourages dogs to see their crate as a positive space.

• Prevents overstimulation:

  A crate provides a controlled environment for puppies or highly energetic dogs to avoid overstimulation, helping them learn to relax and settle down when needed.

When implemented with patience and positive reinforcement, crate training can offer numerous benefits for both the dog and the owner. It promotes a well-behaved and content canine companion while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Choosing the Right Dog Crate

When choosing a dog crate, the options are as diverse as your furry friend's needs. It’s not just about functionality; it's about creating a space that your furry companion will love. So whether it's for travel adventures or a cozy retreat at home, finding the right fit is key.

Consider materials:

• Lightweight fabric dog crates are the go-to choice for those on the move. Easy to set up and a breeze to move around, these crates are perfect for the dog parent on the go.Dogs who have a tendency to chew may need a more robust crate.
• If you're hitting the road, a wire or metal crate ensures stability in the car to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Size matters:

The ideal crate should allow your dog to stand, turn, and stretch comfortably with ample space for their favorite bedding, bowls, and a toy or two. If you’ve rescued a pup, bear in mind that you might have to size up as they  grow.

Crate Training a Rescue Dog: Step by Step

It's incredibly important to train your dog to feel comfortable with crates before you start using them regularly. Here’s how to prepare and introduce the crate, as well as how to encourage and train your dog to use it:

Step one: Prepare the crate

Prepare your pup’s crate in a quiet spot that’s got enough space around it so you can move by it without knocking it. We want this to be a sturdy, safe, and serene space. Create a cozy atmosphere by adding their bed, blanket, a non-spill water bowl, and a few toys and treats for extra comfort. You can cover the crate with a blanket to minimize drafts and external noise, ensuring that your pup stays calm and feels safe. Keep the door securely open during the introduction phase, so that your dog doesn’t feel trapped in or out of control. As your puppy grows, consider upgrading to a larger crate.

Step two: Introduce the crate in a positive way 

To start training, you’ll need some of your dog's favorite tasty treats. First, allow your pup to become used to the crate just being there. Let them sniff around and venture inside in their own time. You can reward them with a treat if they do go inside so that they’ll associate exploring as being a good thing and will trust that nothing bad will happen if they choose to stay inside. During the introduction and early stages of training, your dog needs to know they can come out of the crate quickly and easily. This will ensure they feel safe at all times. It will also give them confidence and help to create the positive feeling you want them to associate with being inside the crate.

Step three: Encourage your dog to explore

Once your dog has been introduced to the crate, you can begin encouraging them to explore and spend time inside. Here are some top tips for encouraging crate time:

Have treats at the ready:

Have some of your dog's favorite treats on hand - like PEDIGREE® MARROBONE™. Position yourself next to the crate so you can easily drop treats into it to encourage your dog to enter willingly. Start by dropping a few treats onto their bed through the top of the crate. Once they're inside, continue to drop treats inside. When dropping your treats, try to drop them when your dog is not looking to help place focus on the crate rather than on you.

Start small:

If your dog is struggling or appears reluctant to go inside the crate, make it easier for them by placing the treat in the doorway first. Repeat this stage several times to build their confidence before dropping the treat a little further inside.

Be patient:

If your dog comes out of the crate, stop dropping treats and wait. Don't call or try to lure them back in; wait until they return. Once they return, begin to drop treats again. 

Try at different times:

It's a good idea to practice at different times of the day. Over time you will need fewer treats, and your dog will begin to choose the crate as a place to go to relax.

Step four: Reward them for settling inside 

When your dog chooses to go to their crate, don't make too much of a fuss - you don't want to disturb them. But gently praise them so you reward this lovely moment and add to their good feeling. You can offer your dog a long-lasting chew or food-releasing toy or feed them their usual meal inside the crate. Not only will this continue to build their positive associations with both, but it will encourage them to spend a longer time inside.

Step five: Teach your dog that the crate door closes

Once your dog happily spends time inside the crate with the door secured open, you can start teaching them that the door closes. You want them to feel confident about this, so take things slowly.

If your dog shows any sign of worry at any stage, such as whining or scratching to get out, then go back to a stage where they feel comfortable. Spend time repeating this stage to build their confidence before gently trying to move on again. 

1. To begin, start to close the door slightly when they are inside. Wait to secure it, though, so they can still exit if they need to. Repeat this a few times. If needed, start with small movements of the door and slowly work towards closing it all the way.
2. If your dog is comfortable with this, you can start to secure the door. Do this for a moment before opening it again so they can come out if they choose to.
3. Gradually build up the length of time your dog spends inside the crate with the door closed. Remember, you can offer them a tasty chew, like PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX™ to enjoy when they're inside, and you can drop in a treat and praise them when they're relaxing.

At all other times when you're not doing a training session, leave the door secured open so your dog can come and go as they please.

Step six: Go about your day to reinforce safe alone time in the crate

When your dog is relaxing and enjoying themselves inside the crate, start to engage in your normal day-to-day activities. This way, they learn that you can be active yourself while they stay in the crate. Stay in the same room to begin with so that they don’t worry or get distracted by trying to follow you out of the room.

Once they are comfortable, you can build up to leaving the room. Slowly move towards the door of the room to see how they react. Gradually build up the length of time you remain outside the room. Make sure your dog has something enjoyable to occupy themselves with inside their crate. They will learn that they don't need to rely on you being there to have a positive time.

Use the crate as part of your routine by leaving tasty treats or enrichment toys for your puppy to keep finding. Your pup will associate the crate with positive outcomes and will choose to go in on their own. Keep the crate accessible for your dog to use as a positive and safe resting spot.

Remember: During crate training, you may need to give your dog more treats than usual. So you may want to reduce how much of their regular food you give them. You could also use remote feeding devices to assist in the training process so that your dog doesn’t have to leave the crate every time they want to eat. This will help them associate the crate with being a place where they feel safe and nurtured just as much as they do when outside of it.

When to Use a Dog Crate

Crates are wonderful tools that can create a cheerful and cozy sanctuary for your dog. When introduced with positive reinforcement, your furry friend will come to see the crate as a safe haven: a place to retreat to when they want space or are in need of a peaceful nap.

As your dog embraces the crate as a place of safety and calmness, you can begin using it for road trips, a visit to the vet, or other adventures. For instance, bringing their crate to a dog-friendly hotel during a holiday can significantly alleviate any anxiety your pup might experience in a new environment. Traveling in the crate should start with short journeys (such as down the road and back) and then gradually increase the duration and distance. This will help ease your dog into it and familiarize them with traveling.

Ensuring your dog is happy in their crate is key, whether it's enjoying toys, dog treats, or simply napping. The more secure and content they feel inside, the happier they'll be spending time in their crate when necessary.

Keep in mind: your puppy's positive association with the crate is essential. So be sure to balance crate time with play, walks, and bathroom breaks. And never use it as a punishment, which may lead to negative feelings. By ensuring the crate remains a source of comfort, your pup will willingly and happily retreat to it whenever needed. 

Debunking Crate Training Myths

Crate training a rescue dog is a widely used and effective method for dog training, but there are some myths and misconceptions associated with it. 

Crate training is punishment:

Some people believe that using a crate is a form of punishment for the dog. However, when used properly, a crate is a positive training tool that helps with house training , preventing destructive behavior, and keeping the dog safe.

Dogs don't like crates:

While some dogs may initially resist being in a crate, many come to view it as their safe and cozy space. It's essential to introduce the crate gradually, associate it with positive experiences, and make it a comfortable place for the dog.

Crate training is only for puppies:

While crate training is commonly associated with puppy training, it can be beneficial for dogs of all ages. Older dogs can benefit from crate training for various reasons such as managing anxiety or providing a secure space when needed.

Crate training is a quick fix for behavior problems:

Crate training is a valuable tool, but it's not a magical solution to all behavior problems. It should be part of a comprehensive training plan that includes positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience.

Remember that each dog is unique, and while crate training can be highly effective for many, it may not be suitable for every dog. It's essential to approach crate training with patience, consistency, and a positive mindset.

Building Trust and a Lasting Bond

Crate training can play a pivotal role in facilitating a rescue dog's smooth transition to their new environment, so a patient and positive approach is key. Following our step-by-step guide will help ensure that crate training becomes a positive and beneficial experience for you and your new furry friend. Remember, the crate is not just a training tool: it's a safe and secure space for your rescue dog. For more tips on how to help your pooch settle in and build that trust, check out our article on how to bond with your rescue dog.